IT was a close call on Monday for a number of Empangeni pupils, when a Fever Tree was uprooted on Gemini Road this morning and fell within inches of the vehicle they were being transported in.
In what can be labelled as a freak incident, the tree was blown over at approximately 6.40am, as strong winds and rain persisted to belt down over Zululand through the night and into the day.
Resident at the property Basil Geldenhuys said the crashing sound, attributed to the tree plummeting to the ground, resonated through the house.
‘The noise was horrendous, I actually thought someone had lost control of their car, hit something and had driven through my wall.
‘I immediately ran outside to have a look at what was going on and when I got there I saw that the tree had fallen down.’
Stroke of luck
Basil noted that there was a lady in a Hyundai vehicle who had stopped just millimetres away from the tree.
‘She was extremely traumatised as she just managed to stop in time.
‘She had a number of pupils in her vehicle, presumably transporting them to school.’
‘We are so thankful that no one was injured because if she had stopped any later she would have been taken out by the tree,’ he said.
Landmark
Speaking to the ZO, owner of the property Millie Scruby, said she had always been fearful of that tree.
‘I was always worried about it because I was afraid that it was going to fall over and into my yard.’
Millie, who has been living on the property for the past 20 years, said while the tree had deteriorated over the years, it never showed any signs that it was unstable.
‘This tree has always been here. It has been my landmark for the past 20 years.
‘People know my home for this huge Fever Tree that is just outside my gate.’
‘I am most grateful that God was looking out for those children and the lady who was transporting them,’ she said.
Meanwhile various weather reports indicate that Empangeni received winds with speeds of up to 23km/h this morning, which are considered moderately strong.
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